Apr 16, 2008

Staying in a Matali Crasset-designed home or hotel is akin to living in Wonderland. Take for instance this 'showflat', designed for the first architectural biennial in Beijing, China way back in 2004. The interior of this apartment is done up like a beautiful escapist dream: think walls and furniture in neon greens, bright fuchsias and deep reds - all shouting for attention in the same space.

The design is centered around an almost organic space, superimposed on the internal structure of the living room, so that all activities have their place and legitimacy.

Nothing in here looks too serious. Not to say Crasset's work is not to be taken seriously, but most of the furniture and fittings in the apartment may - at least to the unappreciative lot - look more at place in a kindergarten than a home. To the rest, however, Crasset's work never fails to conjure up images of joy and happiness. So, do you belong to the former or the latter group?